2003: Because they had barely spoken while she was away, Rose and Paul had an awkward reunion when she returned to Oakdale after nursing her father back to health, but Barbara still strongly disapproved of their romance. Torn between his mother and his love, Paul made it clear that he would not give up Rose. Barbara retaliated by hiring his old friend, Dusty, to break them up. Rose and Emily teamed up to kidnap Barbara to keep her from hurting rival designer Carly's business. Paul took Barbara's side, which strained his relationship with Rose, who kissed Dusty. Paul caught them together, then learned of his mother's betrayal with Dusty. He left town and was presumed dead in a plane crash. He returned in July, declaring that he was a new man; his main focus was to get Jennifer and Will away from Barbara's clutches, though he remained hurt by Rose and Dusty's relationship. However, not long after his return, he zeroed in on Rose and they recently became engaged. He appears to be in love with her, but will that keep him from exacting revenge?